Ruth Plotkin Shumaker, MS, BSN, RN, CNOR

Ruth Plotkin Shumaker, MS, BSN, RN, CNOR is an Executive Consultant and partner for Perioperative Consulting. She is a past national President and recipient of the Award for Excellence in Perioperative Nursing. She attended her first AORN Congress in 1982, has never missed an Expo since, and has been a delegate every year. She has spoken across the United States and worldwide on various topics. She strongly advocates for nurses, and her mentorship is unwavering. Ruth has dedicated her professional life to perioperative nursing, leadership, mentoring others, and patient advocacy. Her leadership and mentorship are visible and steadfast. She is a transformational leader, unafraid to think or have others think outside the box.

Ruth has mentored AORN presidents, board, and nominating committee members, as well as task force, committee, and chapter members. She believes development and mentoring are different for everyone and require a personal journey.  She encourages others to see what leadership looks like by helping them fulfill their personal goals. At the heart of Ruth’s mentoring is spending time and energy to make a difference in someone’s life. She does this by being honest, respectful, and supportive.  She has supported generations of nurses to follow in her footsteps and encourages nurses to find their voices and execute actions to improve themselves, nursing, and healthcare.